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      Dublin’s future is inextricably bound to its appeal as a place to do business and its ability to nurture and attract entrepreneurs. An attractive business environment, global and national connectivity, a broad economic base, and an innovative start-up ecosystem all play a crucial role in the success of Dublin’s economy. 

      The multiplier effect of a vibrant enterprise culture is also of significant importance and shouldn’t be underestimated in terms of its ability to provide a catalyst for sustainable economic and societal progress. Entrepreneurship can create a ripple effect supporting activity in the educational, retail, cultural, creative and hospitality sectors that are unique to Dublin.

      Half (50 percent) of respondents say that the economic performance of the city is very important, and two thirds (65 percent) believe that Dublin is doing well in this area. An attractive business environment is rated as the first priority by four in ten (forty percent) thus its maintenance is critical. 

      Economic indicators

      What should be prioritised vs how well it is performing

      Broad economic base

      What matters


      A broad economic base makes Dublin a more resilient, competitive and attractive city for business, investment, and talent. It helps ensure long-term economic health and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. It was cited by just under a quarter (22 percent) of our respondents as the issue they would personally prioritise out of four different economic indicators. 

      A diverse city economy, spanning sectors like tech, finance, pharmaceuticals, tourism, education, and creative industries—means that Dublin isn’t overly dependent on one industry. It also helps ensure the capital is more resilient to global shocks.

      As highlighted in KPMG’s recent Top Global Risks 2025, such shocks and the tectonic shifts in power, economic centres and trade are increasingly prevalent. Events like COVID-19, Brexit, or global financial crises affect sectors differently. A broad base of activity helps Dublin absorb such shocks and recover faster.

      Moreover, a variety of thriving sectors makes Dublin appealing to different kinds of businesses, from start-ups to multinationals and across industries and sectors.

      Anna Scally, Head of Technology, Media and Telecoms at KPMG says that talented entrepreneurs, whether Irish or from elsewhere, are typically highly mobile. “They have choices to establish and develop their business - here or elsewhere and the city needs to do much more to enhance its existing appeal, and make sure that dynamic scaling businesses choose Dublin."

      Port tunnel Dublin
      The city needs to do much more to enhance its existing appeal, and make sure that dynamic scaling businesses choose Dublin.

      Anna Scally

      Partner, Head of Technology Media & Telecoms, Ireland and EMA

      KPMG in Ireland

      Making it happen


      Success in attracting global businesses will continue to underpin Dublin’s economic prospects, however we must continue to support policies that promote domestic entrepreneurship and scale ups to broaden the scope of business activity in the city. We support and advocate for these initiatives:

      • Horizon scanning for opportunity to support and promote future growth in more traditional sectors with continued potential e.g. finance, education and tourism while being nimble in seeking to attract innovators in emerging sectors such as AI, MedTech and renewables.
      • The respective roles of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland will continue to be fundamental and they need to be appropriately resourced. In addition to other state agencies, our diplomatic network resourcing needs to be continually assessed. It can also play a key role in selling Dublin as an international business hub whilst encouraging other markets to do business in the city.
      • Investing in education and skills training programmes, including raising the value and profile of apprenticeships, to ensure that Dublin’s workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in emerging industries whilst better supporting our infrastructural needs.

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      Attractive business environment

      What matters


      Dublin’s attractive business environment comes from its combination of Ireland’s stable and competitive corporate tax environment, skilled labour, EU membership and accessibility, government support, and a strong multinational presence.

      These conditions make it a top choice for startups, entrepreneurs, investors and multinational business. However other cities compete with Dublin for such activity, and future success is not guaranteed.

      Therefore, it’s unsurprising that our research respondents highlight an attractive business environment for Dublin as their single most important economic priority, with 40 percent opting for this option. It is also one worth protecting – an issue not without its challenges. 

      This economic success is based on thoughtful policies finely tuned over many decades. Dublin, as Ireland’s capital and largest city, has been to the fore in benefitting from this.

      However, as government and other stakeholders acknowledge, the success factors are continually shifting and require policies that flex as risk and opportunity evolve. This is especially relevant given the rise of protectionist strategies globally and ongoing tariff issues. 

      Blurred shoppers on street

      Making it happen


      Confidence, certainty and competitiveness are key determinants of an attractive business environment. We suggest the following:

      • A tax regime that support jobs and employment has underpinned the policies of various governments for decades. KPMG’s Pre-Budget 2026 Submission contains a range of tax policy proposals to promote business activity and reward entrepreneurship. In the context of an ever-changing business environment, and where the potential impact of tariffs remains hugely significant, tax remains a vital policy tool of government. 
      • A rules-based business environment underpinned by fairness and certainty are fundamental to business confidence. A “no surprises” approach to legislation and policy will continue to inspire trust in doing business in Dublin and in the wider Irish market.
      • As this report highlights elsewhere, the pace of delivery in many areas is not fit for purpose in maintaining and promoting an attractive business environment. Government has acknowledged this and is actively looking for solutions to alleviate the impact of these issues, particularly in planning and major infrastructure.
      • As the capital of an EU member state, Dublin provides barrier-free access to the European single market. Government and other stakeholders including the business community, should continue to proactively promote the social and economic benefits of EU membership to Ireland as a small open economy. 

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      Innovative start-up ecosystem

      What matters


      Dublin already has a reputation for an innovation friendly ecosystem and yet, in a highly competitive world, there is more to be done. Innovation has helped support economic growth and contributes to a vibrant and appealing city.

      As noted, the ability to retain and attract innovators and entrepreneurs and drive investment is a function of several factors, including the cities liveability, the availability of funding and finance, the tax code and the appeal of an innovative community.

      KPMG’s Anna Scally notes that for start-ups and early-stage business “Being part of a community, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports ambitious entrepreneurs is important. Physical collocation can really help by providing opportunities for collaboration and support where you have proximity of like-minded people.”

      Recognising the hugely positive role of the likes of Endeavour Ireland in helping businesses scale-up, there is also a real and continuous opportunity to further assist more Dublin based businesses move from start-ups to scale-ups.

      While an innovative start up ecosystem did not score highly in respondents rankings, (fourth overall in economy and prioritised by 12 percent of respondents) and perhaps seen as a subset of bigger themes such as business attractiveness, nonetheless, it is a fundamental element of the city’s future economic performance and as such needs to be nurtured and developed.

      Woman speaking in meeting
      Being part of a community, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports ambitious entrepreneurs is important.

      Anna Scally

      Partner, Head of Technology Media & Telecoms, Ireland and EMA

      KPMG in Ireland

      Making it happen


      There are a number of policy issues that need attention in order to best support Dublin’s innovation environment, including the current fragmentation of support for early-stage start-ups and a need for greater private sector involvement in the provision of funding, incubation and mentoring. Our suggestions include:

      • The creation of an internationally recognised Dublin startup hub, similar to Level 39 in London, that would be renowned both domestically and internationally, with impactful branding and recognition to attract entrepreneurs.
      • Recognising the importance of funding and mentorship for Dublin startups, Enterprise Ireland should continue to provide funding and support to early-stage companies. We also need greater private sector involvement, encouraging more Angel and follow-on investment, and encourage pension and other funds to invest in earlier stage companies. 
      • Replace the KEEP employee share option scheme with a simpler alternative with a clear CGT treatment on exit, to better support entrepreneurs.
      • Reduce high personal tax rates and USC as barriers to attracting talent to Ireland, to ensure they are more in line with peer countries

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      Global & national connectivity

      What matters


      The ability of people, goods and data to connect in and out of Dublin will be a defining feature of the city’s success as we countdown to 2040. 

      With strong air, sea, and digital links, facilitating international business and travel, Dublin’s strategic location at the edge of Europe provides access to a large EU and UK market and convenience to North America, making it a key gateway for businesses. As the hub of Ireland’s road and rail network, Dublin is also central to the island’s economy. 

      Our respondents indicate relatively high levels of satisfaction with Dublin’s performance, with over half (55 percent) feeling that the city performs well or very well on global and national connectivity. Meanwhile 27 percent indicate that this area would be their economic priority. 

      Additionally, the importance of digital connectivity is reinforced by initiatives such as the Smart Dublin ‘Telecoms for Everyone’ programme, combined with enhanced telecoms infrastructure security and resilience, noted earlier in this report. 

      People in airport corridor

      Making it happen


      Dublin’s relatively strong connectivity is a function of continually refined strategies to ensure our physical and digital connections are fit for purpose. We suggest the following

      • We need clarity and certainty that Dublin airport can develop and evolve as Ireland’s international gateway and as a strategically placed international hub including route development to Asia and South America.
      • Continued priority to be given to Dublin Port as a vital economic asset including expediting plans to expand the port to deliver the near 20 per cent additional capacity required by 2040 to facilitate the extra freight capacity required to serve continental Europe.
      • Progressing key elements of the All Island Strategic Rail Review in keeping with the Greater Dublin Transport Strategy including capacity, speed and frequency improvements to Belfast, Cork and other urban areas combined with customer centric information and ticketing in support of connectivity and decarbonisation.
      • Prioritising the delivery of the N2/A5 road upgrade to enhance Dublin’s connectivity to the North West of the island as one of the last remaining areas lacking motorway/ dual carriageway access to the capital. 

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